The newspaper reports that Colburn reimburses himself much more frequently than other Eastern Shore lawmakers.

Colburn says he believes all the expenditures he has reported are valid and would not have occurred if he weren't running for office. The Dorchester County lawmaker says he reimburses himself because he can't afford to pay for meals and other items out of pocket.

Good-government advocates say the reimbursements fall into a legal gray area. The executive director of Common Cause Maryland says Colburn is not being cautious.